Your monthly round-up; here are the headlines:

• Anthropic seeks $750 million in funding for AI development

• New York Times sues Microsoft and OpenAI for alleged unauthorised use of articles

• Google considering cutting 30,000 jobs while focusing on AI integration

• OpenAI in early discussions for a valuation exceeding $100 billion

• Volkswagen partners with Cerence for ChatGPT integration in cars

• Google prepares a paid upgrade for Bard, its ChatGPT competitor

ChatGPT competitor Anthropic eyes up $750 mln in funding 

AI startup Anthropic is reportedly in talks to secure $750 million in a funding round led by Menlo Ventures, as confirmed by an inside source to Reuters. This investment round would value the startup at $18.4 billion before the funding infusion. Anthropic, co-founded by siblings and former executives at Microsoft-backed rival OpenAI, Dario and Daniela Amodei, is strategically pursuing resources and influential backers to position itself as a leader in the competitive technology landscape.

New York Times Files Billion-Dollar Lawsuit Against Microsoft and OpenAI

The legal action contends that "millions" of New York Times articles were utilised without their authority to enhance ChatGPT's capabilities. It also asserts that the tool has now become a direct competitor to the newspaper in terms of providing reliable information. The lawsuit states that when inquired about current events, ChatGPT occasionally generates "verbatim excerpts" from New York Times articles, which are typically behind a paywall, usually requiring a subscription for access. Read the full article here.

Google to cut 30,000 jobs amid AI focus

Google is reportedly not only advancing its AI model for external use but also considering a major internal shift. Recent reports suggest that Google may undertake a significant workforce reduction, potentially impacting around 30,000 employees. This strategic move aims to integrate AI across its business operations, with the ad sales department expected to be the primary area affected. More on this story via CNBC TV18.

OpenAI in Discussions for Valuation Exceeding $100 Billion

OpenAI is reportedly in early talks to secure a new funding round with a valuation that could reach or exceed $100 billion, positioning the ChatGPT creator as one of the world's most valuable startups. While preliminary discussions have involved potential investors, crucial details such as terms and timing remain fluid and subject to change. If the funding round materialises as intended, OpenAI would become the second-most valuable startup in the United States, trailing only Elon Musk's SpaceX, according to data from CBInsights. Full article here.

Volkswagen integrating ChatGPT into cars via voice AI

Volkswagen is partnering with AI provider Cerence to offer an intelligent ChatGPT integration for Volkswagen drivers, GlobeNewswire reports. Leveraging Cerence's generative AI-powered Cerence Chat Pro, the in-car assistant will engage in fun and conversational interactions with drivers and passengers, using multiple sources, including ChatGPT, to provide relevant responses. Volkswagen is set to become the first automaker to deliver Cerence Chat Pro via cloud updates to existing vehicles, enhancing driver productivity and entertainment on the go.

Google Redies a Paid Version of Bard

Google Bard, created in response to OpenAI's ChatGPT, appears to be gearing up for a paid upgrade. While it has steadily improved, monetising the service without ads has been a challenge. However, evidence discovered within the Bard website suggests that Google may introduce a premium version called Bard Advanced, as revealed by research conducted by AndroidPolice. Strings of code indicate a "Try Bard Advanced for 3 months, on us" offer, implying that users may eventually need to subscribe to the service after the trial period.

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